Niamh Smyth
Ceist:75. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the delay in an appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) with the National Rehabilitation Hospital. [15656/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 29 March 2017
Ceisteanna (75)
Freagraí scríofa
I am informed by the Medical Board of Appeal that as of March 2017, there are 278 appeals active at the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal. There has been a recent upsurge in the number of appeals to the DDBMA. The DDBMA, within its functions, has the facility to deal with waiting lists by holding extra hearings. I am aware that extra hearings were held in 2016 and already in 2017 in this regard.
I am confident that the Board has the matter in hand but I will keep the matter under review. I would point out that Regulation 6(1)(e) of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations, 1994 (S.I. 353 of 1994) provides that the Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions.